December 23, 2008
Dioxin oil sent for analysis in German lab
The oil thought to have contaminated pig feed with dioxin has been sent to a laboratory in Germany for analysis.
The contaminated pig feed was thought to have tainted Irish pork that led to a massive recalling of the product two weeks ago.
Officials at the Environment Protection Agency said the results are expected to return after Christmas, and will be key in deciding if anyone will be prosecuted over the use of "inappropriate oil" at Millstream Recycling in Co Carlow.
The companies involved in the supply chain have all denied responsibility for the oil, which contaminated the pig feed to 5,000 times more than the legal level for dioxins.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture said the government's EUR180 million (US$252.3 million) compensation package will hand out EUR50 million (US$70.1 million) to pig processors before year-end.